Posts Tagged ‘Positive’

Last week, I had the best lesson. I had been praying about a big decision and asking God for guidance in regard to really big plans that I have for my life. I was beginning to become discouraged because I felt like each time I attempted to move toward my goals something would come along and knock me back to the place where I was last. The “God Voice” inside of me kept telling me to keep going and to keep asking for what I want and/or need. Thoughts of doubt kept trying to invade my mind by telling me that the things that I wanted were too far out of my reach and virtually impossible.

I know that it may sound weird, but I heard the voice of God inside of me say, “Ask me for the impossible and watch me do it for you! Ask me for the impossible and you will know that I and I alone am the one who brought these things to pass in your life.”

So, guess what I did? I asked for the impossible. Because, I decided to ask God for the impossible, I am watching God create miracles for me in an effortless way on my part.

So, I encourage each and every one of you to step out on your faith. Believe for the impossible. Ask for the things that seem impossible to you, meaning you cannot do them in your own might. Stop being afraid! Don’t be afraid to ask God to help you purchase a home in a great neighborhood with no debt attached, ask for a new car with no car payments, ask for the $750,000 to start your own business, ask for the money to obtain quality or high end health care for your ailing loved one, or ask God to pay off your enormous student loan debt. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Ask God, the Creator of all things, for what you really want and not just what you can afford or what you can do on your own.

I had the pleasure of interviewing a Progressive Hip-Hop Artist by the name of Yoash Victorious. He is based out of Atlanta, but with his drive and determination, I am sure that he we will hear great things from him in the future.

Artist’s Name: Yoash Victorious
Occupation: Record Producer, Progressive Hip-Hop Artist, & Song Producer
Age: Early 20s
Number of Years in Occupation: 12 years

(Judith) I have a burning question for you, what does your first name Yoash Victorious mean?(YV) Yoash is Hebrew for God is strong. Victorious is my legal middle name.

So, I combined the two names because………… “even in my darkest hour, I am victorious!”

(Judith) Are you married? If not, do you want a relationship someday? What qualities are you looking for in a mate?(YV) I desire to be married. I believe that a marital relationship is an elevation. I want to be married once it’s time for me to make that elevation and once I am more stable. I want a mate that is humble, firm, and I want her to understand the difference between equality and sameness. Although a woman and a man are equal, they each have different roles. I want her to be cute.

(Judith) So, now that we know what you are looking for in a mate, what can a woman expect from you as a mate to her?(YV) I would bring a certain amount of stability in spirit. I bring the stability of knowing what I want to do with my life. I want to be a musician and get my message out to the world. I want to support my family through my work. I am also a good cook. I was a vegan chef for about five (5) years. I worked at The Soul Vegetarian chain of restaurants in Atlanta, DC, Maryland and Televiv Israel.

(Judith) During your early years as a boy or teenager, what were your goals? In the early years, how did you plan to achieve your goals?(YV) My initial goal was to master the piano. By age 12 or 13, I achieved a level of mastery of the piano. My second goal was to master the amount of instruments necessary to become a conductor. I wanted to conduct symphony orchestras. Later on, I moved on to digital music production around 16 years old. After I began producing music, my goal was to create progressive music and become an artist. I wanted to do a type of music that would attract a wider audience. I also wanted to create positive messages in my music.

(Judith) Did you face any hardships that tried to derail your goals? How did you handle the situation?(YV) Yes, I did face hardships that tried to derail my goals. In 2006 I wanted to go to Israel to produce a compilation album with other young artist. I did not come from a wealthy family so it was hard for me to achieve my goal. Initially, there was a problem in getting the money to go to Israel.

“I think that if you are going on the right path God will provide.”

I worked at a restaurant for a few months to get the money for the trip. For me it was divine intervention because I had friends in Israel that were able to help me achieve my goal of going to Israel. In 2006, I went to Israel to produce a compilation album of young artist. We had a positive music concert for the New World Passover Celebration in May. This event happens every year in Dimona, Israel. My ultimate goal was to produce the record and influence my peer group to provide positive music.

(Judith) As a young man, what tools do/did you need to be successful?(YV) The tool that I needed to be successful is consistency. I had to be disciplined and consistent in everything that I did. Having a good reputation is like a credit score. Being consistent is the key. Secondly, being teachable is important. I think, you should be able to learn from your surroundings. Take what you need and leave the rest, you can learn from everything. Humility is also important. My mentor taught me that humility proceeds honor. Humility is not a weak stance to take. I have gotten business relationships because of my humility. When I work with people in the industry that are older than me I have humility and I do not come from a place of arrogance. I have general strength and character. I think that ALL young men should understand these principles. These rules may not apply to every situation and with all people, but consistency and responsibility are important all around.

(Judith) What distinguishes you from other progressive Hip-Hop Artists today?(YV) I am different from main stream artists because I include the elements of my own production that are unique. Genre specifically, I do conscience and progressive Hip-Hop music. The concepts and messages embedded in my music are not as straight forward, they do not attack anyone. I am not trying to push an idea or mindset onto anyone. I put concepts and messages into my music along with swag. When you first hear my music you will enjoy the beat and dance to it. I use a drummer in my shows and I have a live show that keeps people coming back to see me.

“Fans have come to me saying they enjoyed my music and did not notice that I do not curse or defame women.”

This week’s blog is a special one as I am highlighting a positive man in our community. Pastor Dejon Jernagin is a Husband, Father, Pastor, and he is passionate about his work and his creative endeavors. Please enjoy this wonderful interview!

Name: Pastor Dejon Jernagin

Occupation: Admission Rep for Kaplan College, Pastor Jernagin, Christian Comedian, Screen-Play and Comedy Writer.
Number of Years in Occupation: I have worked in education for 12 years. I have been a licensed minister for 11 years.

(Judith) What is your marital status? Do you have children? How has your role as a husband or father affected your career?

(Dejon) I am married. I have 3 boys (6 yrs, 8 yrs, and 9 yrs). Being a husband and a father has helped my role because it makes me look at things from the right perspective. I think about what I do, why I do it, and the time it is going to take. Because I am raising Black men I look at things totally different for their sakes.

(Judith) During your early years as a man, what were your goals? In the early years, how did you plan to achieve your goals?

(Dejon) When I was a college basketball player, my goal was to reach the NBA. I never thought that it was not going to happen. I played and took odd jobs in basketball in order to reach my goal.

(Judith) Did you face any hardships that tried to derail your goals? How did you handle the situation? What was your personal turning point?

(Dejon) In my family alone I was the first to do a lot (i.e. go to college). I dealt with things spiritually, so I have to give credit to God. I leaned on brethren from church for support. The brethren in the church communicated with me and listened to what I was going through as a young man.

(Judith) As a man, what tools did you need to be successful?

(Dejon) Discipline is important. I had to have self-control. I had to be patient and wait for things.

(Judith) If you could say anything to your wife about how her presence has impacted your life, what would it be?

(Dejon) I would thank her for being a virtuous woman and that is how she impacted my life. She is there for me and for my kids. I believe that I obtained the favor of the Lord by having a wife that is virtuous.

(Judith) If you could say anything to your children about how they have impacted your life what would it be? What advice would you give to your children about being successful personally, professionally, and spiritually?

(Dejon) My sons are three (3) opportunities to correct things that I may not have done right when I was growing up. I want to help them avoid problems or mistakes that I made. Spiritually, I want them to know that only what they do for Christ will last. Whatever they do, do it for the glory of God and it will last.”

(Judith) What are your personal and professional goals?

(Dejon) My personal goals are:

1). Continue to serve the Lord with everything that I have

2). Position my family for the future financially and spiritually.

3). For my wife and I, I want to prepare to be great grand-parents one day.

4). Professionally, I want to build high schools. I want to build the first Pentecostal Universities.

(Judith) What advice would you give to young men or other men in regard to achieving their goals (the secret to your success) in regard to personal growth, family, and career?

(Dejon) Listen and learn to communicate when you have an opportunity to listen to someone with wisdom (i.e. grand-father).

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of reading one of Milo Edward’s blog posts on Facebook, since then I have become a fan of his work. Please enjoy Milo’s blog for this week’s edition of the “Just 4 Men Blog.”

When someone ask you, “Who are you?” how do you respond? Odds are you don’t respond to the question properly but you state your job, point in life, function in life or just run off a list of things about yourself that cross your mind. A large number of people have know idea who they are.

The existence of your true self exists on another level, which is genuine and is the core of your authentic self. Your job, point in life or functions can’t describe your authentic being. It is all of the things that are uniquely yours and need expression, rather than what you believe you’re supposed to be and do.

When you’re not living a true authentic life, you feel empty, incomplete and if something is missing. Living like this drains you of much needed energy to pursue the things you really find of value. This fictional way of living will just have you going through the motions rather than enjoying the truly beautiful, meaning filled life you desire. When you ignore your true gifts and talents while performing robotic procedures or familiar roles, you are living in a fictional state of being.

I have some questions I want you to ask yourself, there’s no right or wrong answers. I just want you to expand your thought’s and have a better relationship with yourself, others and enjoy a more fulfilling life. The way to do that is discover the authentic you and live an authentic life.

1. Do you listen to your inner voice? What does it sound like? How does it feel? Are you connected to your inner voice or do you feel you’ve gotten off track?

2. Is your inner being and outer being separate? Does your outer you display your inner thoughts? Do you find people think things of you that aren’t you? How are you seen? Do you display your desires, values, passions, and beliefs in your outward actions? Or do you keep them all inside? How do you plan to make your inner being and outer being ONE?

3. Are you in touch with your authentic self? If not how will you get back on track? Are you willing to do something everyday towards growth of the authentic you? What really sets you free and you love doing? Is it rational and attainable? What do you desire to do? Why aren’t you doing it?

Continue asking yourself questions and taking action towards uncovering the authentic you! Living in the truth and being Authentic will make us all more joyful. You can play the role of a lifetime but you must be the authentic you, all other roles are taken.

Be sure and write down your answers and review them. Your next step forward to finding the AUTHENTIC YOU will appear in your mind!

I had the great pleasure of sitting down and talking to one of my best friends. Steven and I have been friends for 15 years, he’s like family. We met through a mutual friend (thanks T-Bone). The first time we talked on the phone we were laughing loudly and making jokes like we had known one another all our lives. Since that time, our friendship has been challenged but through those challenges our friendship has grown and I could not imagine my life without him. He used to say that we would be friends forever and now I truly believe that we will be. Please enjoy Steven’s interview and come to know him the way that I do.

Name: Steven Parker

Occupation: Attorney & Professor, in Birmingham, AL

Number of Years in Occupation: 5 years

(Judith) What is your marital status? Do you have children?

(Steven) I am single and I do not have any children.

(Judith) During your early years as a man, what were your goals? In the early years, how did you plan to achieve your goals?

(Steven) I wanted to be a Minister or to go into Politics. My interests were split. I became a student of the Bible and I focused in a lot on spirituality and community with people. For the political side, I became interested in Student Government as early as fifth grade. In Junior High I was elected Class President. In eleventh grade I was Student Body President. I went to Community College and was the first Black Student Body President. Once I transferred to California State University Northridge, I became a Student Senator, Director of Finance, and was then elected the Student Body President overseeing the needs of 35,000 students. I was elected the Vice-Chair of the California State Student Association. All of this experience prepared me for a position in government.

(Judith) Did you face any hardships that tried to derail your goals? How did you handle the situation?

(Steven) Yes, my childhood was hard. I grew up in a single-parent home on welfare. For me there was something about wanting to do better. I wanted more out of life. I ended up hanging out with people who had more life (education, things, etc) and wanted more out of life. I learned from those people how to go after what I wanted.

(Judith) What person or persons impacted your life the most? What tools did you need to be successful?

(Steven) My Uncle Willie had a major impact on me. He showed me attention and was instrumental in leading me into a relationship with Christ. He would come, pick me up, then we would hang out. My Uncle was fun to be around.

(Judith) Steven, what tools did you need to be successful?

(Steven) I always had a very strong drive. If I wanted something I worked hard at being good at it. I always wanted to be a student of life and I am always eager to experience something new. I went through life with my hands open and with the determination to make it.”

(Judith) What is the single most important advice that you would give to people these days as they are dealing with a down economy, lost jobs, and or loss of family?

(Steven) “If you lose all your things you can adjust. Try to accept the fact that things are different, make the necessary adjustments, then rebuild. Setbacks are temporary and allow us the pause to reassess, re-strategize, and re-prioritize.”

(Judith) What advice would you give to young men or other men in regard to achieving their goals?

(Steven) Determine what you want then figure out how to obtain it. Sometimes we don’t always know what we want, but we have to learn how to figure it out. Once you figure out what you want, then go after it. The best thing to do is to speak with people who have already made it to where you want to go in life.

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